Mercy High School Preparing To Celebrate 50 Years Of Tradition

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February 10, 2014|Marie Kalita-Leary, Mercy High School, Middletown

Mercy High School in Middletown turned 50 years old this year. When the school opened in 1963, it was housed on one floor of Xavier High School. The ground breaking for the actual school was in 1964 and the building opened in 1965. "We have a few dates to celebrate in our 50 Years of Tradition, stated Sister Mary A. McCarthy, RSM and president of Mercy High School. We have various committees comprised of students, alumnae, faculty and staff, past and present parents and friends of Mercy working on three very special and unique events."

Mercy High school will be kicking off its 50th Anniversary with a special Mass on March 24 for the current student body, faculty, staff and honored guests. The original ground breaking for the school was held on March 22, 1964.

Current students as well as representatives from each past graduating class will be at the Mass which will be followed by a school luncheon and events for the students in the afternoon. Ms. Ann Derbacher, campus minister is the chairperson for the Student Mass.

March 29 will be the official 50th Anniversary Celebration to commemorate 50 Years of Tradition. Tickets are available via the Mercy online store (www.mercyhigh.com). This celebration will include cocktails and dinner. Tickets are $80 per person. Mrs. Maria Bergan '73, administrative assistant to the president and principal is the chairperson for this evening of celebration.

On May 4, they entire school campus will be busy. The day starts with Mass at 10 a.m. including a special offertory for charity. Brunch will be served immediately following Mass. Guests will then be able to shop in the school store for special 50th anniversary jewelry and items, tour the school, meet and talk with current students, view memorabilia including videos, scrapbooks, posters, school treasures. If any past Peer Ministers are planning on attending Mercy's 50th Anniversary Mass on May 4 and would like to be involved with the Mass, they should contact the Campus Minister, aderbacher@mercyhigh.com or call 860-346-6659 Ext. 114 to volunteer. "I am seeking past Peer Ministers to be a lector, cross bearer, candle bearer, altar server, or present the Offertory gifts," stated Ann Derbacher, campus minister.

At 1:30 p.m. will be the premier of the play, "We Know by Heart - 50 years of Mercy." This musical has been written by Mercy alumnae and current faculty member Rose Masselli Morse '80. In the tradition of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, a "comfortable cup of tea will be served with Irish scones after the play.

"Although the events of May 4th are free for participants, online registration for the Mass and play will begin on April 1 because of the limited seating in the auditorium," add Marilyn Skoge, associate director of Alumnae and Development and chairperson for the May 4 open house.